BATTLE CREEK – The Bruins are now back-to-back champs.
The Kellogg Community College women’s soccer team won its second straight NJCAA Region XII championship, claiming back-to-back titles.
KCC defeated Jackson College, 3-0, in the NJCAA regional championship game at Marysville on Sunday. Aubrey Phenicie scored twice for the Bruins in the first half with Mallory Semelbauer adding a goal late to secure the win.
The championship win came after KCC beat No. 7-ranked Schoolcraft in the tournament semifinal on Saturday. The semifinal finished tied at 2-2 in regulation with KCC advancing with a 2-1 advantage in an overtime shootout. Sophia Saunders scored in the second round of the shootout with Airanna Griecci getting the deciding goal in the final penalty kick. Evelyn Alward and Allison Dietzel each scored for the Bruins in regulation.
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“To win back-to-back Region 12 crowns is a tall order,” KCC head coach Levi Butcher said. “Especially when going in as the No. 2 or No. 3 seed. Simply put, you are not the favorite. You have to play with an underdog mentality. That galvanized this team, and they played well enough to prove they not only belonged there, but that they were the best of the four teams. I’m just so excited for our whole team, coaching staff and amazing support system.”
KCC, at 10-4-2, now advances to the Great Lakes District Championship and will host No. 3-ranked Heartland Community College at noon on Friday at the Kellogg Community College soccer field.
KCC had four players named to the all-tournament team, including Dietzel, who was tournament MVP. Phenicie, Griecci and Aubree Evans were also all-tournament selections. Butcher was named regional Coach of the Year.
“The weekend was the culmination of a long season of Region 12 and MCCAA competition that had its ups and downs, and our squad peaked at just the right time,” Butcher said. “To be able to go into playoffs knowing you will face a team, if not two, that you lost to during the regular season is a challenge. This team prepared, studied their opponents, and executed wonderfully on the weekend. As a coach you cannot ask more than that.”
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick
